The Antimonopoly Committee of Ukraine did not find sufficient grounds to recognize monopolism in the mobile communications market on the part of the largest operators UMC and "Kyivstar," which together control more than 95% of the market. This was stated to journalists by the head of the AMCU, Oleksiy Kostusyev, reports "Ukrainian News."
According to Kostusyev, after conducting an investigation, the AMCU concluded that there are no grounds for recognizing the absence of competition in the mobile communications market. "In accordance with European Union criteria, it is inexpedient to determine a monopoly position in the market if its saturation has not yet been achieved," he said.
According to him, the Ukrainian market is currently saturated by only 25%, whereas in European countries this figure was more than 80%.
The AMCU reached these conclusions after mobile operators expressed disagreement with the accusation of monopolism and sent an official document to the AMCU in which they substantiated the presence of competition in the market. The operators argued the presence of competition by the fact that the market is experiencing a gradual reduction in tariffs, significant volumes of investment in network development, and a flexible tariff policy. Competition is also evidenced by the potential possibility of entry into the market by a third nationwide operator.
At the same time, Kostusyev noted that the AMCU will continue to thoroughly monitor the mobile communications market for the absence of monopolism. "Our attention to this market will not weaken," noted Kostusyev.
Recall that in September the AMCU announced its intention to recognize UMC and "Kyivstar" as monopolists.